Africa Celebrates 2024 – Truly The Biggest Pan-African Event

Addis Ababa –

Africa Celebrates 2024 kicked off in its vibrant style signature with the arrival of delegates to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from across Africa and beyond, mostly aboard Ethiopian Airlines, the official airline partner on November 5, greeted at Bole International Airport by the efficient Africa Celebrates protocol team, led by the Director of protocol, Tesfaye Gebremichael, checking delegates seamlessly into the luxurious Skylight Hotel, the accommodation partner of Africa Celebrates. The delegates’ arrival generated a sensation across Addis Ababa, signaling the start of the continent’s largest business and cultural gathering- Africa Celebrates 2024.

Day 1
November 6 saw an impressive array of dignitaries, influencers, and stakeholders from Africa, the diaspora, and beyond, gathering at the iconic Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) complex in Addis Ababa for the opening ceremony. The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, who was ably represented by Dr Abel Basutu. Other remarks were made by Amb. Willy Nyamitwe, Ambassador of Burundi to Ethiopia, Mikael Cleverly, Charge d’ Affair of the US Delegation to the African Union, Her Excellency, Selamawit Kassa, Minister of Tourism of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Colombia Ambassador to Kenya who represented the Vice President of Colombia and His Excellency, Amb. Mohammed Arrouchi, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the African Union, represented by Saad EL Qamcaoui.

In attendance were participants from 41 African countries and 13 countries from the diaspora. Also present were kings and queens from 13 African countries who came to attend African Traditional Leaders Forum whose aim was to further the conversation of conflict resolution and peace in Africa.

After the tea break, the “Made in Africa Exhibition” was officially declared open by the Minister of Tourism of Ethiopia, Her Excellency, Selamawit Kassa. The exhibition showcased made in Africa products from the participating African countries fostering new business connections.
Following the exhibition, the “Africa Talks Business and Investment Forum” took place inside the Africa Hall, where leaders explored strategies to boost African economies. Followed by , the “African Traditional Leaders Forum” convened inside Conference Room 6, and also the “African Fashion Business Summit” inside Conference Room 4, all within UNECA, addressing key issues in fashion, culture, and business.

Day 2
The exhibition continued on day two, starting with registration at Africa Hall and an impactful session with the “Down Syndrome and Other Intellectual Disability Awareness Initiative.” where delegates engaged in thoughtful discussions, offering solutions to challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This is part of Africa Celebrates support for charity. Unlocking the potentials of the physically and mentally challenged is at the heart of Africa Celebrates’ mission and vision.

After a tea break, the “Africa Talks Business and Investment Forum” resumed with expert panelists tackling business challenges on the continent, leading to solutions and valuable insights. In conference room 3, the “Women’s Forum” took the spotlight, inspired by the historic “Beijing Conference.” Multiple plenary sessions emphasized gender equality, women’s rights, and economic empowerment.
Inside Conference Room 6, the “African Traditional Leaders Forum” took place, with traditional leaders discussing collaboration, peace initiatives and conflict resolutions for continental development. This was the 2nd day of their deliberation. Concurrently, the Afro Film Alliance (AFA) Forum held inside the banquet hall highlighted African cinema, followed by screenings of short films that celebrated African stories and culture. The “Afro Tech and Innovation Forum” inside Conference Room 4 showcased the latest innovations aimed at driving Africa’s future.

The evening culminated in the “Cultural Night of African Music, Dance, and Cuisine” at UNECA’s East Parking, with the enigmatic Swagga Don opening the stage followed by other great performances within Africa and from the diaspora. They included Muma Gee from Nigeria, Addis Kana Ethiopian band and dance group from Ethiopia, Queen Stella Aicha from Burkina Faso, Maalem Chrif Kadiri from Morocco, Puagmae African Dance Group, Shawn Weigh from the US, The African Ladies dance group and much more. Guests enjoyed traditional African dishes and danced to live African music, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Day 3
Day three began with the “Africa Youth Forum” at Africa Hall of the United Nations, where young African leaders joined forces with elders to explore a brighter future for Africa’s youth. This was followed by presentations by Gebeya and the MasterCard Foundation inside Conference Room 5. Meanwhile, the “Wellness and Beauty Expo Africa” inside Caucus Room 11 addressed advancements in Africa’s wellness and beauty industries.
The day also featured a follow-up discussion at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the African Union on “Africa Talks Business & investment Forum,” which led into the closing ceremony at the African Union, marking the end of the deliberations and a celebration of the event’s accomplishments.
The evening closed with the “Gala Fashion & Awards Night – Africa Fashion Reception” at the Sheraton Luxury Hotel. Stunning African designs were showcased on the runway, followed by dancing and celebrations that left attendees with memories of a vibrant, stylish, and successful 2024 Africa Celebrates, where delegates were already looking forward to returning in 2025.

Day 4
A “City Tour” offered delegates a chance to explore Addis Ababa’s rich history, followed by shopping excursions, immersing attendees in Ethiopian culture and craftsmanship.

Day 5

On tthe final day, delegates departed to their home countries, already anticipating the 2025 Africa Celebrates.

Africa Celebrates organised by Legendary Gold Limited, under the President and Founder, renowned Lexy Mojo Eyes with the support from the African Union, UNECA, Nigerian Embassy to Ethiopia, Morocco Delegation to the AU, Cote d’Ivoire Embassy in Ethiopia, Burundi Embassy in Ethiopia, United States Mission to African Union, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic Community for Africa, 6th Region Global Chamber of Commerce, Africa Magic Ethiopia Airlines, Skylight Hotel among others has shown once again that the time for Africa is now.

At its 4th edition, Africa Celebrates has demonstrated once again that the time for Africa is now. By blending art, culture, heritage, technology and business into one amazing experience, it has lived up to its position as Africa’s biggest Pan African event ever anywhere in the globe. It has transformed the African narrative and building the Africa we envision. Viva Africa!

AFRICA CELEBRATES 2024 IN PICTURES :